On his first time aboard Mick Hussey wasn't taking no for an answer from Hard Times (20/1), and on start number twenty nine the five-year-old shed his maiden tag in division two of the Costello's Tavern Handicap at Tipperary.

Hard Times, Smiling Emily and Takeachanceonme were all there with big hopes at the business end, but it was the first-named by a short head 'at the death.' Smiling Emily was runner-up, with Takeachanceonme a length and a quarter back in third.

"He was very tenacious and Michael gave him an unbelievable ride," enthused successful handler Johnny Levins.

He added: "We had been trying to fool and confuse him all along and left the cheek-pieces and blinkers off today - Michael was very clever and they obviously got on well together. That's Michael's first winner for me.

"You couldn't argue with his determination there and I'm delighted for the owner (himself) too!"

(TW & EM)